Spring transition: 11 Style Panel tips for adding this season’s trends into your existing wardrobe
Winter be damned! We are officially setting out sights on spring, and along with it, its myriad bright, shiny list of trends to try. As we mentioned last week, all it takes are a few key pieces to transition your wardrobe through the seasons. Today, we’re taking a cue from our Style Panel, who has taken the transition one step further by working some spring trends into existing winter wardrobes.
The ‘90s made its way back onto the Spring 2014 runways courtesy of designers like DKNY and Rag & Bone, who re-introduced the nostalgic trend with a slick sporty twist. Blogger Nichole Alabi welcomes it with open arms, opting for a transitional look of loose fit crop top, baggy distressed denim and a pair of tan Ewing sneakers that would make even the Fresh Price envious. And while pastels are certainly not a foreign idea, the spring runways proved that head to toe looks in soft hues could still be interesting. Shorts Presents blogger Kayla Short and Lyndsey Forest of Over My Styled Body try the trend in two different ways, with equally awesome results.
Challenge 94: What are your spring transition tips? Read the answers now! »
For more tips on how to take your wardrobe from winter blah to spring Technicolor, page through these Style Panel tips!
ALEXANDRA GRANT, VANCOUVER |ALYSSA LAU, EDMONTON | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | JILLIAN LANSKY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | LYNDSEY FOREST, EDMONTON | MARTA TRYSHAK, MONTREAL/TORONTO | MIKKI FOX, CALGARY | NICHOLE ALABI, TORONTO | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES/VANCOUVER |
Alexandra Grant, 26
Vancouver | To Vogue or Bust
I really like to focus on bringing in just one spring piece at a time during these in-between months. Whether it’s a floral dress or a more basic staple like these white skinnies, it makes styling the rest of the outfit much easier when you boil your look down to just one spring element. With these white skinnies, warm brown layers accented with rich navy helps temper the brightness of the white, while a polka dot pattern and leopard print shoes gives the whole look a touch of femininity.
Alexandra is wearing: Pants & Sweater, Joe Fresh. Blouse, Zara. Shoes, Sole Society. Heels, Massimo Dutti. Necklace, By The Shore.
Alyssa Lau, 20
Edmonton | The Ordinary Peoples
Winter isn’t due to leave Edmonton for another few months, but recent talk of spring/summer has inspired the craziness that is wearing a midi skirt sans leggings in the snow. While this isn’t the smartest idea I’ve had, prim and proper midi skirts are still an amazing winter-to-spring transitional skirt. Add that to a turtleneck and some extra layers for warmth, and the only part of your body you won’t be able to feel are your legs. But that’s okay, because fashion is worth it. Right?
Alyssa is wearing: Earrings, Turtleneck and Faux Leather Skirt, Oak + Fort. Jacket, W Concept. Boots, COS. Denim Jacket, FATE Vintage. Sweatshirt, ASOS.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 26
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
Okay, I’m ready. We’ve sprung forward, now where is spring? Other than the start of an exciting fashion season, my skin, hair and mood are in desperate need of some warmer temperatures stat.
Following along with my New Year’s resolution to fall in love with items before I buy them, I’ve recently found myself collecting a few truly beautiful pieces that have such character. I first picked up this adorable Paris inspired illustrated-print blouse from J.Crew, then purchased this blouse from Joe Fresh, with the details painted on. Both shirts supply all the personality needed for an awesome outfit. This spring I look forward to finding some watercolour-painting inspired prints, as these artistic pieces are perfect to wear in almost every occasion.
Barbara is wearing: Shirt, Pant, and Heels, Joe Fresh. Sunglasses, Ray-Ban from Clearly Contacts.
Becky Kung, 30
Toronto | Velvet & Vino
Loud prints and pastels are spot-on for this spring season, so my take on embracing these trends is to combine a pair of funky-print crop pants with a softer pastel hue in the satchel. To stay warm in the chilly weather, it creates interest in the look by buttoning up my denim jean jacket all the way to the top, serving as an added layer. This outfit is perfect for running errands or window shopping on a moderate spring day.
Becky is wearing: Denim Jacket, J.Crew. Satchel, H&M. Necklace, Forever 21. Jewels, Lineve. Sunglasses, Le Chateau. Booties, Dolce Vita. Watch, Michael Kors.
Jillian Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries
My favourite item for spring is, believe it or not, the tried and true, good old-fashioned white blouse. Seen on the Spring/Summer 2014 runways from fashion heavy hitters like Alexander Wang, Saint Laurent, and Michael Kors, this classic staple has been updated with a slimmer fit. Go the full menswear route in slouchy pants with the blouse fully buttoned up or keep it ladylike in a mid-length full skirt
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
One of the trends I am most looking forward to from Spring is pastels! There’s something about these sorbet hues that’s just so pretty and chic to me. Right now while the weather is still frigid I’m pairing this monochrome mint outfit with some riding boots, and a chunky knit scarf, but I can’t wait to ditch em for some metallic flats and a great statement necklace!
Kayla is wearing: Pants, Gap. Scarf, Banana Republic. Sweater, Smart Set. Boots, Very Volatile via Biscuit General Store. Cross-Body Purse, Forever 21. Sunnies, Polette Eyewear. Earrings, Shop for Jayu.
Lyndsey Forest, 23
Halifax | Over My Styled Body
Pastels have been mostly a spring and summer trend in the past, but lately they have been creeping their way into the cooler winter months. And I think we all can welcome them with warm, open arms! The trick to making this trend work during the winter is to warm the soft tones up with some bulkier pieces like a leather jacket, or a touch of faux fur.
Lyndsey is wearing: Skirt, ASOS. Heels & Bag, J.Crew. Jacket & Tee, Zara. Sunglasses, Ray-Ban.
Marta Tryshak, 24
Montreal/Toronto | With Love Gabrielle
Despite the fact that the snow is slowly melting away, we’re still pulling out the layers to appease the cold weather! We’re almost there, and what better way to encourage and look forward to Spring than incorporating pastels into your heavier wardrobe. One of the easier items to find and shop for in the this category is a beautiful cashmere sweater. Companies tend to apply more muted or faded colours in to the design of the cashmere to compliment its already soft and lofty qualities. Because it was a warmer day I chose to rely on the warmth of my Autumn Cashmere and fur vest to achieve a weather appropriate look while at the same time incorporating this seasons classic forecast of baby pinks and toned down hues. This look is effortless and casual while remaining chic.
Marta is wearing: Cashmere Sweater, Autumn. Fur Vest, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Jeans, Rich & Skinny Snake. Hat, H&M. Satchel, Coach. Flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Mikki Fox, 30
Calgary | Centre Street Style
This winter has really tested my desire to live where I do (umm, Hawaii anyone?). But with a bit of a reprieve in the cold weather in Calgary I’ve finally been able to break out some of my new spring pieces. Florals and pastels are heavily forecasted for this spring, and there are so many amazing options out there. While it may not be warm enough yet to go sans tights, pairing my winter lace and trousers with a pop of pastel in my pumps and a floral coat makes me excited for the months to come.
Mikki is wearing: Sweater, Tory Burch. Trousers, Alice + Olivia. Coat, RED Valentino. Pumps, Saint Laurent. Clutch, Chanel.
Nichole Alabi, 27
Calgary | Nichole Alabi
I am such a ‘90s girl and I am so happy that this trend hasn’t left us yet. While I love the monochromatic looks and the spaghetti straps and square-necklines of the 90s, I decided to go more street wear with this look. I paired the iconic crop top with some vintage Levis 501s. I also took my inspiration from 90s news-makers like Princess Diana, who had been spotted sporting a Louis Vuitton makeup case as a clutch on vacation after her divorce, and Patrick Ewing, whose basketball sneaker line from the 90s recently resurfaced on the market. I topped it all off with the perfect 90s dark lip!
Nichole is wearing: Top, H&M. Jeans, Levi’s. Sneakers, Ewing Athletics. Clutch, Louis Vuitton. Watch, Michael Kors. Necklace, Zara.
Whitney Cosgrave, 25
Calgary | See Shop Eat Doo
I’m so ready for Spring, even if the weather is not quite on the same page. In this photo I’m wearing two Spring trends that I’m really into; metallics and pink. Pink is such a fun, happy colour and I’m so glad that the cheery hue is on trend for this season. A Spring staple for me is my trusty Gap trenchcoat, though I can’t wait until it’s warm enough that it isn’t a necessity!
